Camper unit



July 8, 1969 H. GROSSMAN 3,454,020

CAMPER UN IT Filed Oct. 30, 1967 V Sheet 0f 3 INVENTOR. HARRY GROSSMANATTORNEYS;

July 8, 1969 H. GROSSMAN 3,454,020

CAMPER UNIT Filed Oct. 50, 1967 Sheet 2 of 3 H. GROSSMAN Jul 8, 1969CAMPER UNIT sheet 3 ors Filed 001:. 30. 1967 United States Patent3,454,020 CAMPER UNIT Harry Grossman, 2111 Elmfield St., West Hartford,Conn. 06110 Filed Oct. 30, 1967, Ser. No. 679,007 Int. Cl. A451? 1/00U.S. Cl. 135-1 9 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A foldable camperunit adapted for use either on the ground or on top of a vehicle. Theunit is characterized by a pair of side panels which are attached byhinges to opposite sides of both a base and a roof panel, the side androof panels being of such dimension so as to enable the unit to befolded fiat when not in use, folding being permitted by making the toppanel narrower than the base. The unit also has hingably mounted endpanels which butt against a rim to provide for structural integrity inthe in use position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the invention The present inventionrelates to camper units. More particularly, the present invention isdirected to foldable living units which may be transported on the top ofa vehicle with minimum wind resistance and which, when in the erectedposition, provide maximum useable space. Accordingly, the generalobjects of the present invention are to provide new and improvedapparatus of such character.

Description 0 f the prior art As is well known by camping enthusiasts,present living units of the type which may be transported on or in avehicle to a camp site and there assembled or erected for use arecompromises between various desirable attributes. For the most part, thedesirable attributes of minimum size package for transporting purposeswith maximum useable enclosure area when erected has been offered onlyby the tent. However, tents have the obvious disadvantages that erectionis usually time consuming, erected tents inherently lack rigidity orstructural integrity and also lack a solid base or floor member andtents require a camp site of suitable terrain. In addition, the tentmust be used on the ground. It is not unusual for a late arrival at acamp site to be unable to find a site having the necessarycharacteristics for pitching a tent.

The alternative to use of a tent is the employment of a trailer typedevice. The expense of these devices and the problem associated withtowing trailers are well known and will not be discussed herein.

A number of erictable camper units which may be used on top of a vehiclehave been proposed. None of these devices has won acceptance because ofinherent limitations therein. Firstly, the devices typically have highresistance to wind in the stowed position. Secondly, none of the priorart car top devices had sufficient flexibility so that they could beused either on the vehicle roof or the ground. Thirdly, because of theirconstruction, previous car top devices have been expensive to produce,difficult to use and have had other deficiencies such as lack ofstructural rigidity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention overcomes the abovementioned deficiencies of prior art and in so doing provides a camperunit which may be employed either on the top of a vehicle or on theground. The unit of the present invention con- 3,454,020 Patented July8, 1969 sists of a floor member or base having a pair of oppositelydisposed side panels attached thereto by means of hinges. The sidepanels, which in the erected position are angled toward one another, arejoined by a roof panel which is smaller than the base end and which isaffixed to the side panels by means of hinges. The interconnectionarrangement coupled with the size and shape of the side and roof panelsenables the unit to be folded into a compact, flat unit when not in use.When erected, a pair of end panels, which may be attached to one of theside panels by means of hinges, may be moved into position and willprevent unintentional folding of the unit and enhance the structuralrigidity of the unit. A curtain member is provided around one of theside panels and functions as a weather seal when the unit is erected andas the top of the transporting enclosure when the unit is folded.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The present invention may be betterunderstood and numerous other features and advantages thereof willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to theaccompanying drawing wherein like reference numerals refer to likeelements in the various figures and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention as transported on top of a vehicle.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIGURE 1 during theerection operation on top of the vehicle.

FIGURE 3 is a schematic view of the embodiment of FIGURE 1 in theerected position.

FIGURE 4 is a schematic view similar to FIGURE 3 with the unit in thepartly folded position.

FIGURE 5 is a schematic view similar to FIGURE 4 with the unit in thefully folded position.

FIGURE 6 is an end view of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention with the end panel in place.

FIGURE '7 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention used on the ground with an auxiliary ten-t extendingtherefrom.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The preferred embodiment of thepresent invention may be most clearly understood from the simultaneousconsideration of FIGURES 3, 4 and 5. The camper unit depicted in thesefigures consists of a pair of oppositely disposed side panel frames 10and 12 which, when in the erected position shown in FIGURE 3, arebridged by a top panel frame 14. Top panel frame 14 is attached to thelarger of the side panels, frame 10, by means of an internal hinge 16.The top panel frame 14 and the smaller of the side panels, frame 12, arejoined by an external hinge 18. Hinges 16 and 18 may comprise aplurality of separate, small hinges or they may comprise piano typehinges which run the length of the junction point between the panels.The panel frames 10,12 and 14 are rectangular in shape thereby definingthe overall dimension of the panels. If desired or necessary, aplurality of intermediate rib members may be employed on each. panel.The panel frames may be comprised of wood, metal or plastic in tubularform and the frames may be covered with marine plywood, treated fabrictent material, plastic or a light weight sheet metal such as aluminum asdesired.

The frames 10, 12 of the oppositely disposed side panels are alsoattached, respectively by means of hinges 20 and 22, to a frame or rimwhich extends about the periphery of the base of the unit. The sidepieces 24, 26 which comprise the rim about the base can most clearly beseen from FIGURE 6 which is an end View, partly in section, of the unitin the erected position shown schematically in FIGURE 3. As may be seenfrom FIGURE 6, hinges 20 attach the frame of the larger of the sidepanels to rim member 24 while hinges 22 connect the frame 12 of theother side panel to rim member 26. The rim is completed by a pair ofstepshaped end members, one of which 28 is shown in FIG- URES 3-6. Thebase itself is indicated at 30 and is preferably comprised of a sheet ofsuitably treated wood. However, a fabric or metallic panel could beemployed.

The camper unit of the present invention also comprises a pair ofoppositely disposed end panels. One of these end panels may be seen inposition in FIGURE 6. Like the side and top panels, the end panelscomprise frames which are covered by a suitable material. In FIGURE 6,the members which comprise the frame of a first end panel, are indicatedat 32, 34, 36 and 38. In a preferred embodiment, end panel frame member34 is afiixed to frame 10 of the larger side panel by means of hinges sothat the end members may be folded inwardly and stored against thelarger side Panel when the unit is not in use. Alternatively, the endpanels may be stored in the bottom of the unit and merely lifted intoplace. It should be noted that lower end panel frame member 32 is of thesame shape as base rim members 28, the end panel frame member 32 alsohaving a step configuration. When in place, as shown in FIG- URE 6, theend panels impart structural rigidity to the unit and prevent accidentalfolding thereof.

It is, of course, necessary to insure that there will be no leakage ofwater from the exterior to the interior of the unit in both the foldedand erected positions. In addition, it is desirable to provide a packageof as streamlined a design as possible to facilitate transportation ofthe folded unit. To this end, the skin 40 which covers the frame 10 ofthe larger side panel, which is the panel which forms the top of theunit in the folded position, is provided with a lip 42 which extendsdownwardly at approximately a 90 angle to the panel on three sides andthus partly covers the end panels and top panel. Lip 42 may be mostclearly seen from a consideration of FIG- URE 7 and is also indicated onFIGURE 1. As may best be seen from FIGURE 3, leakage about the junctionof the top and smaller of the side panels is prevented by the shaping ofthe longitudinal members of frames 14 and 12 so that they abut againstone another tightly.

The camper unit of the present invention is shown in the folded positionin FIGURES l and 5. As may clearly be seen from FIGURE 5, when foldedthe larger of the side panels comprises the top of the compact, flatpackage which results. The thickest portion of base frame end members 28determines the degree of folding or height of the package and this step,as well as the entire base frame member is designed so as to providespace for storage inside the unit when it is folded. As may also be seenfrom FIGURE 5, in the stowed or folded position the top panel and thesmaller of the side panels are folded over on top of one another. Thecombined folded height of top and side panel frames 12 and 14corresponds to the height of the step in rim members 28 and, as may beseen from FIGURE 5, the width of the smaller side and top panels isequal to the length of the narrower portion of rim members 28. Thus,with the unit folded .as shown in FIGURE 5, a rim of constant height isformed around the periphery of base 30.

As noted above, the stowed or folded position is shown in FIGURES 1 and5. With the unit folded it will be attached to the top of a vehicle byconventional means such as clamps 44 (FIGURE 1) which are removablyattached to the base 30. If the unit is to be used on top of thevehicle, the vehicle will either have or be modified to have a roofpanel which opens. Access to the camper unit is then possible throughthe vehicle roof opening and an opening 46 (see FIGURE 2) in base 39 ofthe camper unit which is in registration therewith. Once access is hadto the interior of the folded camper unit, the unit may be erectedmerely by urging the smaller of the side panels upwardly and outwardly.FIGURE 4 shows the frame members in an intermediate stage of erectionwhile FIGURES 2 and 3 show the unit as completely erected but withoutthe side panels in place. In order to prevent damage to the unit duringerection, the smaller side panel will typically be enforced at the pointwhere lifting pressure is to be applied. Such reinforcement is shown inFIGURE 2 as provided by a pair of parallel, vertically oriented ribs 48and 50 which have a handle member 52 extending therebetween. Dependingon the size of the unit, it may also be necessary to provide for atelescoping, elongated handle member which is pivotally attached to theupper cross member 54 of side panel frame 12 to thereby enable pressureto be applied adjacent the junction of the side and top panels from adistant point. Lifting pressure could also be applied to frame 12 bypivoting reinforcing ribs 48 and 50 about the side panel upper framemember 54 so that the reinforcing ribs may be used as push rods.

Once the two hinged sides and the hinged top member .are caused toassume the fully erected position shown in FIGURES 2 and 3, the endpanels are either rotated or otherwise inserted in position in the framedefined by rim members 28 and the side members of the top side panelframes. This produces a corking effect and results in the structureshown in FIGURES 6 and 7.

It should also be noted that the skin 40 of the larger of the sidepanels is provided with a door 56 which may be opened outwardly. If theside panels, or at least the larger side panel, is comprised of wood ormetal, door 56 will be mounted by hinges, not shown. If the skin of thepanel member is comprised of fabric, door 56 may be opened by means of azipper which extends around three sides thereof. The provision of door56 enables access to the interior of the camper in either the erected orstowed positions. In the stowed position, the access door facilitatesthe storing of additional equipment inside the unit. In the erectedposition, door 56 permits the unit to be used on top of a vehicle whichis not of the sun roof type or permits access to the unit when used onthe ground as shown in FIGURE 7. It should also be noted that aplurality of snaps or other attachment means 58 are provided about theperiphery of side panel frame 10. As shown in FIGURE 7, an awning typetent 60 may be attached to the camper unit comprising the presentinvention by means of attachment means 58 thereby increasing the useableliving area.

As will now be obvious, the camper unit of the present invention is ahighly flexible unit which may be used either on top of a vehicle or onthe ground. Regardless of where it is used, the present inventionprovides a weather-proof shelter which is easy to erect, ischaracterized by a relatively high degree of security, may have a solidfloor member, has increased structural rigidity in the erected positionwhen compared to prior art devices of like character and which may befolded into a compact package having minimum wind resistance fortransportation. The resultant compact package coupled with the maximumuseable space when erect-ed is a direct product of the formation of theunit from four panels which are interconnected by means of hinges withthe top panel being of smaller size than the base and with one sidepanel being larger than the top panel and at least of the same size asthe base.

While a preferred embodiment has been shown and described, variousmodifications and substitutions may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the presentinvention has been described by way of illustration and not limitatron.

What is claimed is:

1. A camper unit comprising:

base means;

first hinge means for joining said first side to said base means along afirst edge of said base means;

a second side having the same length but less width than said firstside;

second image means for joining said second side to said base means alonga second edge of said base means, said second edge and side beingdisposed opposite to said first edge and side;

a top member, said top member having the same length but less width thansaid first side;

third hinge means for joining said top member to said first side, saidthird hinge means permitting said top member to be folded against theinwardly disposed surface of said first side; and

'fourth hinge means for joining said top member to said second side,said fourth hinge means permitting said top member to be folded againstthe outwardly disposed surface of said second side whereby said topmember will bridge said first and second sides in the erected positionof said unit and will be sandwiched between said first and second sidesin the stowed position of said unit; and

first and second end means commensurate in size and shape with theopening defined by said base means, top member and first and secondsides when said camper unit is in the erected position, said end meansbeing positioned in said unit after erection thereof and each comprisinga rigid outer frame and a covering for said frame.

2. The camper unit of claim 1 wherein said base comprises:

an outer frame;

a floor panel; and

means in said floor panel for permitting access to said unit from theunderside of said base means.

3. The camper unit of claim 1 wherein said first side comprises:

an outer frame; a covering for said frame; and

means providing access to the interior of said unit through saidcovering.

4. The camper unit of claim 1 wherein said first side comprises:

an outer frame; and

a covering for said frame, said covering bridging said frame andextending downwardly about the periphery thereof to provide a weatherseal over said third hinge means when the unit is erected and a coveraround the unit when in the stowed position.

5. The camper unit of claim 4 wherein said base comprises:

an outer frame; and

a floor panel.

6. The camper unit of claim 5 wherein said base further comprises:

means in said floor panel for permitting access to said unit from theunderside of said base.

7. The camper unit of claim 4 wherein said first side further comprises:

means providing access to the interior of said unit through the coveringof said first side.

8. The camper unit of claim 7 wherein said base comprises:

an outer frame;

a floor panel; and

means in said floor panel for permitting access to said unit from theunderside of said base.

9. The camper unit of claim 8- further comprising:

means disposed about the periphery of said first side for attaching atent-like extension to said unit.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,001,813 9/1961 Johnson.3,021,852 2/1962 Holfman. 3,120,076 2/1964- Zuch 52-70 X KENNETH DOWNEY,Primary Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R.

